Rider from Tucson *** (1950, Tim Holt, Richard Martin, Veda Ann Borg, Douglas Fowley, Marshall Reed, Warren Phipps, Elaine Riley) – Classic Movie Review 11,504

Tim Holt in 1948.

Director Lesley Selander’s 1950 RKO Pictures black and white hour-long Western film Rider from Tucson stars Tim Holt, Richard Martin, Veda Ann Borg, Douglas Fowley, Marshall Reed, Warren Phipps and Elaine Riley.

Cowpunchers Dave Saunders (Tim Holt) and Chito Rafferty (Richard Martin) are invited to the wedding of buddy Tug Cardwell (William Phipps) and come to his rescue when bad guys John Avery (Robert Shayne), Gypsy Avery (Veda Ann Borg) and henchman Jackson (Marshall Reed) hire Bob Rankin (Douglas Fowley) to kidnap the intended Jane Whipple (Elaine Riley) and try to steal the groom’s goldmine.

Rider from Tucson is a busy, fast-moving, high-powered B-Western, with stirring direction by Selander, capable writing by Ed Earl Repp, and an engaging performance from RKO cowboy star Holt.

Familiar it may be, but it is very good of its kind.

Richard Martin also played sidekick Chito Rafferty in 30 other Westerns, most of which starred screen cowboy Tim Holt. It is the only time Martin worked on screen with his wife Elaine Riley.

It was previously known as Gun Thunder.

It was released on 7 June 1950 in the US.

Selander’s immensely prolific career ran from Ride ‘Em Cowboy (1936) to Arizona Bushwhackers (1968).

Tim Holt (February 5, 1919 – February 15, 1973) appeared in 46 RKO Pictures B-Westerns and is also remembered for The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948).

Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,504

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